Nelson Farms Gives 1st-time Buyers Some Options

Buyers Guide

The single-family homes, priced from $77,500 to $95,900, are basic and small. But unlike other starter subdivisions, buyers in Nelson Farms can select many of their own colors and options, said Cathie Harney, an agent for GSH Residential Real Estate Corp., which is marketing the homes. "In a lot of homes in this price range you usually don't get a lot of choices," said Harney.

At Nelson Farms, buyers can choose from nine floor plans and then personalize the homes by choosing interior and exterior colors.

"Buyers get to choose the colors of their exterior, they get to choose their (kitchen) cabinets and countertops, pick out their light fixtures and carpet and vinyl," Harney said.

Nelson Farms is a 38-acre subdivision being built by Virginia Enterprises, made up of George and Ed Fiscella. The lots are small, ranging from 6,500 square feet to 8,000 square feet in the first phase.

Phase One, containing about 50 homes, is almost complete and sold out. Phase Two, which will contain some larger lots, should be opening in February, Harneysaid. The community will have a total ofabout 160 homes.

Most of the buyers in Nelson Farms are first-time buyers. About half are in the military. Police officers, postal workers and engineers have also purchased homes in the community, which got under way in the spring.

Harney said a marketing survey found two reasons buyers choose Nelson Farms: price and location.

The community is close to NASA, Thomas Nelson Community College and Interstate 64. But its proximity to the interstate has a drawback: Traffic noise is noticeable.

Buyers can choose from ranch and two-story homes. All of the homes have three bedrooms and a single car garage. The Continental has four bedrooms. All except the Buckingham have at least two full baths.

There are five ranch homes available. The London, with 1,008 square feet is $77,500; the Sussex has 1,290 square feet and is $78,500; the Eaton has 1,334 square feet and is $84,500; and the Cambridge has 1,560 square feet and is $86,500.

The Princeton, with 1,374 square feet and a price of $86,900, is the most popular model, Harney said. It has a square kitchen with an eating bar that's open to a small family room.

There are four two-story homes from which to choose. The Buckingham with 1,325 square feet is $83,500; the Wilson has 1,500 square feet and is $88,900 and the Camelot has 1,660 square feet and is $93,400 ($91,900 without the porch).

The Continental, the largest home with 1,908 square feet, costs $95,900. All four bedrooms are on the second floor; the home also has 2 1/2 baths, eat-in kitchen and formal dining rooms.

"If you've got a family, that's a good-sized house," said Harney.

The homes have vinyl siding and are built on a slab. Standard features include gas forced-air heat, French doors on some homes, textured ceilings, overhead bedroom lights, dishwasher, range and hydro-seeded yards.

Buyers can currently choose either a washer and dryer or a refrigerator as part of the base price.